Although I have lived in the Bay Area for many years and have been involved in a number of philanthropic organizations, I really had no idea that we have so much human trafficking hidden beneath the progressive positions and success of Silicon Valley. I was introduced to the work of Rising International by a friend who knows about my passion to help women achieve their dreams and my commitment to fight against social injustice. Learning about how Rising International is instrumental both in helping women who have been involved in human trafficking locally, as well as linking that mission with helping raise women out of poverty globally, deeply inspired me to support them. Their amazing effectiveness for high positive impact, at an impressively low overhead, gained my additional admiration. I am so glad and proud to contribute to an organization that is guided by authentic dedication to linking Bay Area women with third world women to help each to rise up from poverty- I encourage others to join in the Rising Internatinal mission, as donors or volunteers.
My experience with the organization, Rising International was amazing. I started out as a volunteer and then later, a Rising Rep. Rising's visions where everyone has a chance to prosper is something I strongly belief in and am glad to have had the opportunity to be a part of it. Rising's unique way of trying to alleviate poverty through one house party at a time is incredible. You have the opportunity to learn about all the different crafts that are shipped to the office from different countries, as well as read stories behind those crofts. You also get the opportunity to meet different people along the way and it's so amazing to see that there are still a lot of people in the world who care about others. Carmel, Rising's Founder and President, is an inspiration to us all. - Tenzin
It is a pleasure to post a five star review for Rising International. I travel every year to developing countries and it is my personal mission to do what I can to alleviate poverty. I see first hand what can be done when people are given the tools and training to create opportunities to lift themselves and their families out of poverty - to create a better world for future generations. Rising International does this in an amazing way for women both locally and globally. With the assistance of donors who contribute financially and those who volunteer, Rising International creates opportunities for women in third world countries to become entrepreneurs while at the same time training disadvantaged women here in northern California to build and manage a business. If you are seeking a way to make a meaningful financial contribution to give women a chance to “rise” and to provide a livelihood for themselves and for their families, Rising International is a fantastic investment.
The face of poverty and violence is seen across the globe. Many of us think it happens in faraway places but the truth is, it is happening right in our backyard. As a women who was born and raised in Salinas I have seen this first hand. In 2007 I began at Rising International, that same year there was 21 murders, 75 rapes and 1,066 assaults reported in Salinas, which is almost double the national average. One of those murders was my brother Jose. Somebody mistook his car for a gang member’s and shot him in a drive-by. It was a very difficult time for my family and prompted us to make the decision to move to a safer neighborhood. Rising enabled us to do that. My first three home parties I earned $1,085, I gave most of the money to my parents which enabled us to move to a safer neighborhood across town.
I have been a Representative at Rising for 10 years and I have seen firsthand the influence and the impact the organization has on the lives of the women who make the crafts and the women who are representatives here locally. One of my favorite crafts we sell at Rising is the Nadera doll made by Afghan widows. It is special to me because it has a history of being passed down for generations from mother to daughter. When you purchase just one of these dolls you provide 6 meals to a family and when you purchase two dolls you are enabling a child to go to school for a month. Rising is an incredible unique organization, they have made the connection and empowered women both locally and in the most oppressed regions of the world. Rising understands that when you empower and educate women you grow a generation of new leaders, and you stop the cycle of violence and poverty.
“I was introduced to Rising International 15 months ago. Since then I have been truly inspired by the stories of the women involved in the work of this organization and the women and children who have been helped by Rising International. It is wonderful to see how Rising International works to help women both locally and globally by providing opportunities for them to learn to be entrepreneurs. It has been my pleasure to support this organization and I encourage others to join me.”
Lydia Vidovich
I currently have the privilege of serving as a Trustee for Rising International. Having served on various non profit boards almost continuously since I was 26 years old - I am 62 as I write this, I have some experience in this role. Rising International not only does significant work to alleviate poverty especially for women, it does so by carefully and prudently using every dollar donated. I have never seen a non profit organization do so much good with such a small budget. The needs are great and it is heartbreaking to see such a wonderful, responsibly operated organization have to often turn down requests for help. I highly recommend this organization as one worthy of your support - your talent, time and financial resources.
I am an intern here at Rising International, and have had and continue to have the privilege of working with the Founder and Executive Director Carmel Judd. As Carmel’s volunteer assistant I have learned more than I could ever have imagined about working for and running a non-profit organization. There are so many aspects that keep Rising International able to help women rise. Each person I have met who is involved, whether it’s the founder, donators, sponsors, interns or volunteers, have their heart involved in all that they do…I guess that’s the essence of what truly is ‘Rising Magic’.
There are many products I love that we sell here, but one of my favorites is the heart bag that fits perfectly into a handbag, with the ability to turn into a much bigger bag! With each purchase of these bags ‘ women earn a living wage, are able to help lift themselves out of poverty, help support their families, and in turn, give profits from the sale of products to the orphanage in support of the girls.’
Rising International brings so much joy to so many people from all different walks of the globe, and I love that I get to be apart of women on an international level, all Rising up together!
Rising International is the best!! I started volunteering at Rising through an internship class at UC Santa Cruz and it was the best decision I have ever made. The Rising team welcomed me into their community and made me feel at home. After my class was over, I decided to come back for two more quarters! It was just such a great experience I couldn’t stay away! One of my favorite projects that I worked on with Rising was the Safe and Sound Human Trafficking Prevention Workshop, which was a workshop for high school students to learn about the dangers and warning signs of human trafficking. There were so many of them that didn’t know much about human trafficking so it was nice to see them ask questions, start discussions and just truly wanting to know more about subject. I have volunteered at many places but if I would have to choose where to go back it would be Rising all the time. Carmel, and everyone in the Rising team are all so incredible and want to make the world a better place for all. Also, in the picture I am wearing a choker done by the women in Sharing the Dream and it is one of my favorite crafts here at Rising!
How do I even begin to express the love I have for Rising International!? I started at Rising through an internship program at UC Santa Cruz, once my required hours were over, I just couldn't leave! Two years later- I am a happily employed member of the Rising team! The first thing that drew me to Rising was the mission. Through Rising's business model, ending poverty in my life time truly feels attainable and realistic. I have done a TON of volunteering in my life, and by far, Rising has been the most rewarding- not only for me but for the women we are helping. It's not charity, but financial training/education to create sustainable monetary success for women who have survived extreme poverty, war and human trafficking. Hearing the success stories of the women we work with truly warms my heart (check out risinginternational.org to read those stories!). Seeing people in our community come together and support women all over the world has been such a pleasure and inspiration for me. I have also had the pleasure of working alongside Carmel Jud, the founder, for the past two years and cannot put into words how thankful I am for her leadership and mentorship. This woman works as close to 24/7 as humanly possible and pours every aspect of her life into making a better life for women locally and globally-she is a FORCE and an amazing woman for me to look up to. Carmel quickly recognized my passion and commitment to Rising and was able to appoint me to manage several projects. I've been given the great opportunity to learn and excel in the non-profit world in a way that will truly advance my employment options in the future. I've learned management, business ownership, marketing, and so much more. For that, I am forever grateful to Rising, Carmel, the volunteers and the beautiful artisans we work with daily. Rising will forever be in my heart as I am committed to making a better world for all women. I highly encourage anyone reading this to get involved and join Rising's fight to end the plight of women around the world.
I love Rising International! I have been involved with Rising for over 10 years now. It has totally changed by life. Best I've ever done financially! I am so proud of myself. I never thought I could do anything like this. I am now the number one top seller for running my own Rising Home Party business. They call me the Rising Queen! You can support me, and the Rising artisans by shopping at my Rising Online Store. www.risinginternational.org/shop/PaulaSmith
I have been extremely fortunate to volunteer with Rising International for nearly 14 years. Carmel Jud is an incredible woman, who has given so much of herself to a mission that she and so many others believe in. The impact to both women and girls (and also many supportive men) both globally and locally has changed all of our lives for the better. I am honored to be a part of such an amazing organization. The feeling at the office is of support and lots of positive reinforcement. I know that this is what keeps people coming back year after year as volunteers, Rising Representatives, and supporters.
I can only say that the review of 3/16/16 is from someone who we had a lot of respect for, and for her own reasons has chosen to post her review. I am surprised, as she never appeared to be disenchanted until Rising had to make a business decision which was not in her favor. Someday she may understand that, but in the meantime, and in my opinion, her review is absurd and completely groundless.
